A Brief History
As of August 20, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a total of 2,615 suspected cases and 1,427 deaths (1,528 cases and 844 deaths being laboratory confirmed) in an epidemic of Ebola virus disease (EVD) that is ongoing in West Africa. The outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013, after which it spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
Digging Deeper
Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body.
As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop, which leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding.
The disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola virus, kills up to 90% of people who are infected.
Ebola is not as contagious as more common viruses like colds, influenza, or measles. It spreads to people by contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, like a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat. Then it moves from person to person the same way. Those who care for a sick person or bury someone who has died from the disease often get it.
Other ways to get Ebola include touching contaminated needles or surfaces.
You cannot get Ebola from air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms canot spread the disease, either.
Early on, Ebola can feel like the flu or other illnesses. Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after infection and usually include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Joint and muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Lack of appetite
As the disease gets worse, it causes bleeding inside the body, as well as from the eyes, ears, and nose. Some people will vomit or cough up blood, have bloody diarrhea, and get a rash.
How is Ebola Diagnosed?
Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person has Ebola from the symptoms alone. Doctors may test to rule out other diseases like choral or malaria.
Tests of blood and tissues also can diagnose Ebola.
If you have Ebola, you will be isolated from the public immediately to prevent the spread.
List of Needed Gear to Combat Ebola Outbreak
1. DuPont Tychem Full Body Coverall QC127T YL – L & XL – (May be substituted for any brand that meets the specifications of this item)
2. Gowns – Surgical
3. Gowns – Isolation
4. Underpads – Disposable
5. Lactated Ringer – 1000 ML
6. Malaria Rapid Test
7. Gloves – Examination – All Sizes
8. Gloves – Surgical – All Sizes
9. Infectious Waste Bag – Red
10. Face Mask – Duckbilled
11. Face Masks
12. Face Shields – Reusable
13. Face Shield – Disposable
14. Eye Shields
15. Shoe Covers
16. Aprons – Nylon – Reusable
17. Aprons – Disposable
18. Sanitizer Wipes
19. Sanitizer Towelette
20. Plastic Boots
21. Surgical Caps – Disposable
22. Disinfectant
23. Body Bags – Adult & Children
24. Scrubs (L & XL)
25. Blood Pressure Cuffs – Adult & Children
26. Thermometer – Infrared – Thermofocus
27. Disinfectant Soap
28. Hypodermic Syringe, 10 ml, Luer Slip
29. Syringe, Disposable (without Needle), 10 ml
30. Needles (15G, 21G, 22G, 25G, Butterfly 19G)
31. Catheter – IV 18g, 22g, and 24g
32. Chlorine
33. Oral Rehydration Fluids
34. Infusion Giving Set
35. Sprayer
36. Respirator
Pharmaceuticals Needed to Combat Ebola Outbreak
1.Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 mg
2. Paracetamol 500 mg
3. Paracetamol 100 mg
4. Ceftriaxone 1g
5. Artemether 20 mg
6. Amoxicillin 250 mg
7. Azithromycin, 250 mg
8. Cloxicillin, 250 mg
9. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) 25 mg
10. Hadol 5mg
11. Hyoscine 10 mg
12. Loperamide 2mg
13. Losec 20 mg
14. Metoclopramide 10 mg
15. Metronidazole 500 mg
16. Omeprazole 20 mg
17. Tramadol 50 mg
18. Vitamin C, Zinc, 240 mg
19. Multivitamin with Iron
20. Vitamin A
21. Povidone/Iodine 500 ml
22. Scissors
23. Bandage
How You Can Help
This article is being posted in solicitation of assistance in providing a donation towards the ongoing efforts to fight against the spread of the Ebola virus in Liberia.
Our organization, Liberian Students Network For Capacity Building, is participating in the collective effort to contain and eradicate the Ebola virus epidemic currently being experienced in Liberia.
As may have already learned by now, the Ebola situation in West Africa is being termed the worst Ebola outbreak in history. Our current situation, according to the World Health Organization reports, has at least 1,201 people having been infected in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, and 672 have died since February 2014. In Liberia over 129 persons have lost their lives to this disease just within the last two months. The disease is spreading fast and needs to be contained.
Our organization is a non-profit, registered in the Republic of Liberia and established by concerned Liberians in Liberia and the US, for the sole purpose of providing private sector assistance to the Government in its fight against this deadly disease. Our membership is 100% volunteer based. Members of the group have agreed to finance the shipment of a 20-ft container from the USA to Liberia. We are also working with Delta Airlines and DHL to have items shipped immediately at reduced rates or free of charge.
It is in this regard that we humbly solicit your support, through your kind donations, towards this effort.
We look forward to your support in this endeavor as we work together to bring the spread of Ebola in Liberia to a halt. Donations may be made in-kind (preferable) in cash.
Please be sure to reference that donation is FOR LIBERIA EBOLA PROJECT THROUGH LIBERIAN STUDENTS NETWORK FOR CAPACITY BUILDING, LIS-NECAB.
We look forward to and thank you for your support.
Regards,
Leroy Johnson
Executive Director
Liberian Students Network For Capacity Building, LISNECAB
Monrovia, Liberia
Email: lisnecabeducationliberia@gmail.com and johnson.leroy21@yahoo.com
Question for students (and subscribers): Have you ever been to West Africa? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Shearing Ph.D., Neil. EBOLA VIRUS: The 2014 Ebola Virus Outbreak And Much More: From The History Of The Ebola Virus To Ebola Symptoms, Vaccine Information And News Of The Current Ebola Outbreak. 2014.